If you didn't think the Pittsburgh Steelers were set to have enough time in the spotlight on their 2024 schedule, perhaps this will change your mind. On July 17, Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team reported that the Steelers will be on the in-season version of "Hard Knocks" -- along with the rest of the AFC North.
This will mark the first time that the HBO program will follow an entire division. After camera crews follow the team most of the 2024 season, this AFC North version of "Hard Knocks" will air on December 3rd on HBO, Meirov reports.
Just in: The NFL's in-season version of "Hard Knocks" will feature the AFC North, following the Bengals, Browns, Steelers, and Ravens.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 17, 2024
This is the first time the NFL will follow an entire division. It will debut on Tuesday, December 3, on HBO. pic.twitter.com/2XNpVLhEXc
Go behind the scenes with an entire NFL division for the first time ever.#HardKnocks In-Season with the AFC North premieres December 3 on @StreamOnMax. pic.twitter.com/xsPbilzv1N
— NFL (@NFL) June 17, 2024
Since making its debut back in 2001, "Hard Knocks" quickly took off as one of the most anticipated annual sports documentaries. In their opening season, "Hard Knocks" followed the Baltimore Ravens. In 2020, the popular program has expanded to follow two teams per season.
Steelers and AFC North will make history on 'Hard Knocks'
Though "Hard Knocks" has been airing for over two decades on HBO, the Pittsburgh Steelers have never been a part of this, and many fans view the hit series as a distraction. That will change in 2024.
The Steelers will join the Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, and Cleveland Browns to be the first-ever full division covered in a season of Hard Knocks.
Prior to this announcement, we already received confirmation that "Hard Knocks" will be following the New York Giants and Chicago Bears during the 2024 season. Now, for the first time since 2020, they are broadening their horizons -- taking on coverage of one NFL division in addition to two NFL teams.
This news will be met with mixed reviews by Steelers fans. Some have been waiting years for this announcement while others pray that Pittsburgh will stay out of the spotlight and focus on getting back on a winning track.
Whichever side of the fence you are on, there's no question that this will offer an inside look at the team, coaches, and players that most have never seen. Set your calendars and make sure you have access to Max. The Pittsburgh Steelers and the AFC North are coming to HBO in 2024 for their "Hard Knocks" debut.